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From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has referred two engineers to its disciplinary tribunal over separate building collapse incidents in Gombe State and Abuja, paving the way for possible sanctions.
The cases involve the collapse of a reinforced concrete entrance canopy at the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex and a three-storey building under construction in Gaduwa District, Abuja.
COREN said its council approved the investigation reports at its 191st Ordinary Council Meeting held in Abuja on October 15, 2026. The reports have since been submitted to the COREN Engineering Tribunal for further proceedings.
The first incident occurred on July 10, 2026, at about 3.25 p.m. at the Gombe State House of Assembly Complex.
Following investigations into the building’s design, supervision and construction, the panel established a prima facie case against Engineer Rahman Adegboyega Shittu (R.38234) of Ramad Consultant Limited.
The second collapse occurred on May 16, 2026, at a three-storey building under construction at Plot 481, Cadastral Zone B13, Gaduwa District, Abuja.
The investigation followed a petition and referral from the Department of Development Control of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA). The panel established a prima facie case against Engineer Mustapha Maikaba (R.68.844), the project’s consultant engineer.
COREN explained that establishing a prima facie case means there are sufficient grounds for disciplinary proceedings, but does not amount to a final judgment of guilt or liability.
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It added that the affected engineers would be given the opportunity to defend themselves under the law, while the tribunal is expected to summon them for further proceedings.
In another development, the council approved the final draft of the Harmonised National Construction Safety Guidelines for the Nigerian construction industry for official publication and distribution to relevant stakeholders.
It also approved collaboration with federal and state ministries of works to ensure that engineering contracts are awarded only to firms registered with COREN. The partnership will also strengthen joint inspections and investigations.
The council further endorsed collaboration with the Sector Skills Council for Engineering and relevant agencies to screen and regulate artisans entering Nigeria to undertake engineering-related jobs.
To improve enforcement of engineering standards, COREN also set up a committee to develop a sustainable funding plan for monitoring and regulatory activities across the states.
Meanwhile, the council approved the registration of 3,726 engineering practitioners across different professional categories.
The figure comprises 2,510 engineers, 532 engineering technologists, nine engineering technicians and 675 engineering craftsmen.
It also approved 153 engineering firms, including 37 consulting firms and 116 other engineering companies.
COREN reiterated its commitment to professional accountability and the enforcement of engineering standards, urging engineers, developers, contractors and government agencies to ensure that construction projects are properly designed, supervised and executed to prevent avoidable building failures.
